from the margins

exploring faith’s foundations from the edge

Nahum, All Kirsten Trued Nahum, All Kirsten Trued

When Prophecy Reads Like Poetry: Nahum's Literary Whirlwind

Nahum might only be three chapters long, but its poetic style packs a punch. With whirlwinds, lion dens, and clashing swords, the book reads more like a dramatic performance than a historical account. This post explores how the artistry of Nahum’s language adds depth—and maybe even urgency—to its ancient message.

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2 Kings, All Kirsten Trued 2 Kings, All Kirsten Trued

When the Sacred Gets a Makeover: Manasseh's Temple Redesign

What happens when a sacred space gets repurposed for something entirely different? In 2 Kings 21, Manasseh installs pagan altars in the Jerusalem temple, quietly transforming a place once dedicated to a singular purpose. This blog reflects on how spaces—both ancient and modern—can shift meaning over time, often without us noticing.

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Isaiah, All Kirsten Trued Isaiah, All Kirsten Trued

Going Through the Motions? Isaiah Has Thoughts

Isaiah 66 questions whether ritual without sincerity has any real meaning. The text challenges the value of outward displays of devotion when humility and integrity are missing. It’s a sharp look at performative practices—ancient and modern—and how easily we might miss the point.

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Isaiah, All Kirsten Trued Isaiah, All Kirsten Trued

Dressed to the Nines (in Righteousness)

Isaiah 61 compares righteousness to clothing—and not just any clothing, but wedding garments. It’s a vivid metaphor that raises questions about identity, recognition, and how we “wear” our values. From celebratory robes to stained battle clothes, this section of Isaiah explores what it means to be dressed for more than just the occasion.

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Isaiah, All Kirsten Trued Isaiah, All Kirsten Trued

Free Refills for the Soul: Isaiah 55 and the Hunger We Can't Quite Name

Isaiah 55 asks a surprisingly modern question: why do we keep chasing things that don’t satisfy us? From free wine and milk to the quiet nourishment of listening, the chapter challenges assumptions about value and fulfillment. This post reflects on what it means to feed our lives with intention—and what we might be missing when we don’t slow down.

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2 Kings, Psalms, All Kirsten Trued 2 Kings, Psalms, All Kirsten Trued

Memory Lane, Psalm-Style

Why does Psalm 135 spend so much time retelling ancient stories? In a moment of national uncertainty, the psalmist reaches back—not to discover something new, but to remember what’s already been said. This post explores how repetition shapes identity, especially when the present feels fragile.

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Isaiah, All Kirsten Trued Isaiah, All Kirsten Trued

Who Do You Think You Are? (No, Really)

What does it mean to be “chosen” when everything familiar has fallen apart? In Isaiah 44, identity isn’t just inherited—it’s reclaimed, redefined, and surprisingly resilient. This reflection explores how ancient words can still speak to modern questions of who we are and how we hold onto ourselves in times of change.

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Isaiah, All Kirsten Trued Isaiah, All Kirsten Trued

Name-Dropped by the Divine? Let's Talk Isaiah 43

What does it mean to be called by name—and why does it matter? Isaiah 43 offers unexpectedly personal language about identity, presence, and being known. This reflection explores those themes from a secular perspective, asking how we define connection in a world that often feels anonymous.

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Isaiah, Psalms, All Kirsten Trued Isaiah, Psalms, All Kirsten Trued

Be Careful What You Pray For: Hezekiah’s Second Chance Gets Complicated

Hezekiah's story in Isaiah 38–39 begins with a dramatic recovery and ends with an unsettling decision. Granted fifteen more years of life, he uses that time in ways that spark questions about legacy, pride, and unintended consequences. It’s a reminder that surviving the crisis is only part of the story—what we do afterward can matter just as much.

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Isaiah, All Kirsten Trued Isaiah, All Kirsten Trued

Crocuses in the Chaos: When Deserts Break the Rules

Isaiah 35 paints a wildly unlikely picture: flowers blooming in the desert. It’s a scene that challenges assumptions about where growth is even possible. This post explores what that might mean—not just for ancient readers, but for anyone who's lived through dry seasons of their own.

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